PROSTHETIC SUPPORT FOR FLACCID ARTERIAL SEGMENTS
First Claim
1. A method for prosthetic support of flaccid arterial segments comprising the steps of:
- implanting a supplemental elasticity device into one of a popliteal leg artery and a superficial femoral leg artery; and
attaching the supplemental elasticity device into place within the artery.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A supplemental elasticity device is attached to an artery in the knee to replace lost elastic behavior. The supplemental elasticity device is attached near both ends of the vessel section which it is intended to compress. In this case, the vessel section extends from the adductor canal to below the knee joint. Supplemental elasticity device fixation can be achieved by tabs, spikes or hooks extending from the supplemental elasticity device or increased friction between the supplemental elasticity device and vessel wall, or a combination of both. To assist with maintaining hemostasis, the fixation points may include fabric patches on the supplemental elasticity device surface. The supplemental elasticity device can be deployed in an un-stretched or nominal length when the leg is bent. It is also possible to deploy when the leg is straight if the supplemental elasticity device is in an elongated configuration during deployment. In one embodiment, the supplemental elasticity device has the ability to elongate 15% of its length and return to its nominal length for the life of the supplemental elasticity device. For an annual duty cycle of 62,000 cycles per year, a ten year life would require the supplemental elasticity device to remain intact for 620,000 cycles.
19 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for prosthetic support of flaccid arterial segments comprising the steps of:
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implanting a supplemental elasticity device into one of a popliteal leg artery and a superficial femoral leg artery; and attaching the supplemental elasticity device into place within the artery. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for prosthetic support of flaccid arterial segments, in which the prosthesis has a plurality of adjacent cylindrical elements each having a circumference extending around a longitudinal supplemental elasticity device axis and each element being substantially independently expandable in the radial direction, the elements being arranged in alignment along the longitudinal supplemental elasticity device axis;
- the cylindrical elements formed in a generally serpentine wave pattern transverse to the longitudinal axis and containing a plurality of alternating peaks and valleys;
at least one interconnecting member extending between adjacent cylindrical elements and connecting them to one another;
a plurality of protrusions on each end of the supplemental elasticity device for attaching the supplemental elasticity device to the body lumen; and
the protrusions formed of a unitary structure such that upon radial expansion of the supplemental elasticity device the protrusions bend outwardly and engage the body lumen wall, the method comprising the steps of;implanting the supplemental elasticity device via an over-the-wire procedure into one of a popliteal leg artery and a superficial femoral leg artery; and attaching the supplemental elasticity device into place at the ends of the device within in the artery. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
- the cylindrical elements formed in a generally serpentine wave pattern transverse to the longitudinal axis and containing a plurality of alternating peaks and valleys;
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13. A prosthetic support for supporting flaccid arterial segments, comprising:
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a plurality of adjacent cylindrical elements each having a circumference extending around a longitudinal supplemental elasticity device axis and each element being substantially independently expandable in the radial direction, the elements being arranged in alignment along the longitudinal supplemental elasticity device axis; the cylindrical elements formed in a generally serpentine wave pattern transverse to the longitudinal axis and containing a plurality of alternating peaks and valleys;
at least one interconnecting member extending between adjacent cylindrical elements and connecting them to one another;a plurality of protrusions on the supplemental elasticity device for attaching the supplemental elasticity device to the body lumen; wherein the supplemental elasticity device is capable of enduring elongation cycles in which the supplemental elasticity device is elongated up to 15% of its normal length when a patient straightens a leg, and the supplemental elasticity device is then returned to a normal length when the patient bends the knee, throughout a life of at least 620,000 elongation cycles. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of manufacturing a prosthetic support of flaccid arterial segments comprising:
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cutting a prosthetic support from a tube of material; cutting protrusions on at least one end of the prosthetic support; and bending the protrusions to extend outwardly from the prosthetic support. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification